Diptayan Ghosh Shocks Ian Nepomniachtchi in FIDE World Cup 2025 Upset

In an exciting day at the FIDE World Cup 2025, Grandmaster Diptayan Ghosh achieved a remarkable upset by defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi. Meanwhile, GM P Harikrishna showcased his strategic prowess against Arseniy Nesterov, securing his advancement to the next round. Gukesh D and Arjun Erigaisi also progressed, with Gukesh overcoming Kazakhstan's Kazybek Nogerbek and Arjun winning against Bulgaria's Martin Petrov. The tournament continues to unfold with several Indian players heading into tiebreaks. Read on for detailed results and insights from this thrilling chess competition.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 5, 2025, 21:52 IST

Major Upsets in FIDE World Cup 2025

In a stunning turn of events at the FIDE World Cup 2025, Grandmaster Diptayan Ghosh achieved a remarkable victory over two-time Candidates winner Ian Nepomniachtchi, while GM P Harikrishna showcased an impressive performance against Arseniy Nesterov, securing his place in the third round.

Also moving forward are world champion Gukesh D and the top-ranked Indian player Arjun Erigaisi.

Gukesh D's Journey to the Third Round

After a draw in his initial game, Gukesh triumphed over Kazakhstan's 2024 world junior champion Kazybek Nogerbek in 59 moves, advancing to the next stage.

Arjun Erigaisi stood out as the only Indian to win both of his matches, defeating GM Martin Petrov from Bulgaria in 48 moves.

Diptayan Ghosh's Remarkable Victory

The spotlight was on Diptayan, who, after drawing the first game against Nepomniachtchi, capitalized on a minor mistake by the Russian in the opening phase, ultimately winning in 47 moves.

"Winning against Nepo is a significant achievement. It’s a big day for me, and it will take some time to fully appreciate this victory," Diptayan expressed, reflecting on his first World Cup experience.

Harikrishna's Strategic Sacrifice

In an audacious move, 39-year-old Harikrishna sacrificed his queen early in the eighth move to seize Nesterov's knight and bishop, leading to a swift victory in just 29 moves.

"I had prepared this strategy nine years ago and was uncertain whether to implement it now, considering my opponent might be aware of it. Ultimately, I decided to go for it," Harikrishna shared.

Tournament Format and Indian Players' Progress

The FIDE World Cup 2025 features a knockout format with 206 competitors from 82 nations competing for the prestigious Viswanathan Anand Cup.

Seventeen Indian players participated in Round 2, with GMs Aravindh Chithambaram and Karthik Venkataraman engaged in an all-Indian match.

Other Indian players, including GMs Raunak Sadhwani, Vidit Gujrathi, R Praggnanandhaa, and Narayanan SL, are set for tiebreak rounds after drawing their matches.

World junior champion Pranav V will also face tiebreaks on Thursday after winning the first game but losing the second against Norway's Aryan Tari.

Round 2 Results for Indian Players

Here are the results from Round 2, Game 2:

GM Nogerbek Kazybek (KAZ) lost to GM Gukesh D (0.5-1.5 aggregate)

GM Arjun Erigaisi defeated GM Martin Petrov (BUL) (2:0 aggregate)

GM Temur Kuybokarov (AUS) drew with GM R Praggnanandhaa (1:1 aggregate)

GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly drew with GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (FRA) (0.5:1 aggregate)

GM Ian Nepomniachtchi (FID) lost to GM Diptayan Ghosh (0.5-1.5 aggregate)

IM Aronyak Ghosh drew with GM Levon Aronian (USA) (0.5-1.5 aggregate)

IM Faustino Oro (ARG) drew with GM Vidit Gujrathi (1:1 aggregate)

GM Abhimanyu Mishra lost to GM Saleh Salem (Ira) (0.5-1.5 aggregate)

GM P Harikrishna defeated GM Arseniy Nesterov (FID) (1.5:0.5 aggregate)

GM Iniyan P lost to GM Thai Dai Van Nguyen (CZE) (0.5-1.5 aggregate)

GM Nikita Vitiugov (ENG) drew with GM Narayanan SL (1:1 aggregate)

GM Pranav V lost to GM Aryan Tari (NOR) (1:1 aggregate)

GM Raunak Sadhwani drew with GM Robert Hovhannisyan (ARM) (1:1 aggregate)

GM Karthikeyan Murali drew with GM Pouya Idani (IRA) (1:1 aggregate)